Residential Energy Efficiency & Assistance Programs

Save money and energy with these special programs to assist residents.

ComEd Energy Efficiency & Rebate Programs

ComEd Appliance Rebates

ComEd has a variety of rebates available to residents.

ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates

Residents who purchase an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat through 12/31/20 can receive a $75 rebate from ComEd. Smart thermostats connect to a home’s Wi-Fi and allow users to control the temperature from web-enabled devices, whether they’re in another room or not at home. For more information on receiving this rebate, go to the ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates page.

For free installation of a smart thermostat, residents may want to consider scheduling a free in-home energy assessment through ComEd.

ComEd Bill Assistance for Eligible Limited Income Customers

Residential customers who are past due on their ComEd accounts may be able to receive assistance to pay off the balances through Dec. 31, 2020, or when funds are exhausted. Households that earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible to receive this one-time bill assistance of up to $500 for past due balances. To apply for the funds, residential customers must be Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) qualified, which is an income-based program that provides energy assistance to households at or below the 200% federal poverty level.

If a residential household, whether documented or undocumented, has not applied for LIHEAP yet, the household can go to HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call 877-411-9276 to start a LIHEAP pre-application.

Winter Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is an income-based annual block grant that assists residents in paying for winter energy bills. If eligible, a payment will be sent directly to the utility on behalf of a household. If a household’s combined gross income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for the 30 days prior to the application, the household may be eligible for assistance. For renters, if heat and/or electric is included in rent, then the rent must be greater than 30% of a resident’s income in order for the resident to be eligible. The application period is through June 30, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the LIHEAP program. Waukegan residents can apply for LIHEAP by contacting the Community Action Partnership of Lake County. Contacting the CAPOLC directly is the fastest method. Another way to apply is by filling out a pre-application at HelpIllinoisFamilies.com and waiting for a call back from a local agency, but this could take anywhere from days to weeks. If a resident is considering LIHEAP, it is recommended to apply because being eligible for LIHEAP can be an indication that an individual is eligible for other income-qualified programs.

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)

IHWAP helps low-income residents reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. If a household is income-eligible, an Energy Assessor will record information about the home and then use a computerized energy audit program to determine which weatherization measures should be prioritized. Contractors will be paid with IHWAP funds to complete the most cost-effective weatherization work, as well as health and safety measures. Some of the IHWAP services include air sealing, attic and wall insulation, HVAC repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement, electric base load reduction (lighting and refrigerator replacement), and ventilation and moisture control measures.

Waukegan residents can apply if their annual income is at or below 200% of the poverty level. To apply, contact Community Action Partnership of Lake County.

ComEd Helping Hand Program

ComEd’s new Helping Hand program will provide the most in-need customers with a one-time grant of up to $300 toward a past-due balance. The program is available until funds are exhausted. Eligible households must have a gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and express one of the following concerns:

Unexpected loss of income or reduction in income (including job loss or furlough)
Sudden illness to you or family member
Other COVID-19 impacts

To apply, fill out the application on the ComEd Helping Hand webpage or call 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) and ask about the Helping Hand program.

Save money and energy with the ongoing programs below.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Programs

Home Energy Assessment

ComEd customers can reduce energy use and cost with a FREE energy assessment which will include free and discounted products for your home. These assessments can occur both in-person or virtually. Seek an assessment here.

Heating & Cooling Rebates

ComEd provides rebates for customers to upgrade heating and cooling systems. Learn more here.

Lighting Discounts

ComEd provides in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR certified LEDs and LED fixtures. Learn more here.

Pool Pump Rebates

ComEd provides rebates for customers to install an ENERGY STAR certified pool pump which could save you up to $2,000 over its lifetime. Learn more here.

NorthShore Gas Programs

NorthShore Gas Energy Rebate Program

NorthShore Gas provides owners of single-family homes, two-flats and individually-metered condos, apartments, and townhouses rebates on a wide range of energy-saving improvements. The program offers HVAC, water heater, and weatherization rebates. Learn more here.

Other Assistance

United Way of Lake County's 211 of Lake County is available to assist with utility bills, rent, food, and other necessities. 211 is available 24/7/365 and help can be delivered in several languages.